The Contract

As Cole displayed a number of his father’s artifacts, Diana watched carefully, looking for anything she could recognize. She made a note of some ancient Egyptian gold, some extraordinary works of art, even Pompeian pottery. Cole’s father really knew what to treasure. Then she saw it—an opalescent amulet. Her amulet, one she’d lost centuries ago in a battle that would’ve claimed her life had it not been for assistance from the goddess Minerva. It was that very day she agreed to be the huntress for Jupiter. She was his contract killer, hunting all of those who meant harm to the pantheon. She’d fulfilled her duties mercilessly ever since.



“This is a lovely piece, Cole,” she said, touching the amulet.



“Yes, it’s my personal favorite. It was said to have belonged to a goddess,” he said, brushing over her hand.



She pulled away quickly and braced herself against the desk. “You believe in the gods?”



“We’d be ignorant to believe that humans are the only creatures to exist,” he admitted.



“You speak as though you know their existence as fact instead of mere speculation.”



He inched closer. She felt the heat of his body, smelled the spice of alcohol on his breath. “I know for a fact that a goddess stands before me,” he said.



Her eyes widened at his words. How could he know? “What do you mean?” she asked. She had to know for sure.



“I’ve never met anyone like you, Diana. I know we don’t know each other, and this might sound insane, but I’ve enjoyed being with you more in these few hours than I have with anyone in years. Trust me, I know how crazy it sounds, but it’s saying a lot. I don’t let anyone get close,” he said.



She knew the feeling. Before she registered what was happening, Cole closed the space between them. He caressed her face with the palms of both hands and crushed his lips against hers. It was wrong, forbidden, but she couldn’t stop. Gods help her, she didn’t want to stop.



He deepened his kiss and his tongue breached her lips, dancing with hers. She loved the masculine taste of him, and had no idea what was happening, but she couldn’t get enough. Her hands found his shirt and she broke away from his lips long enough to remove the garment. The man was a work of art with a body to die for. The luscious expanse of his chest and chiseled abdomen caused her to ache terribly and grow moist between her legs. She wanted him. No, she needed him. And for once in her life, she was going to indulge in all of the pleasures she’d been denied her entire existence.